Beauty culture shifted. It happened the second ASAP Rocky tapped a slim, dark tube against his lips during the 2023 Super Bowl halftime show—or rather, just before it. While Rihanna was busy floating on a platform suspended in the air, the world caught a glimpse of her partner prepping for the spotlight with a very specific product. That product? The Fenty lip balm ASAP Rocky helped turn into a viral sensation.
It wasn't just a "boyfriend supporting his girlfriend" moment. It was a calculated, brilliant masterclass in organic marketing. The product in question, officially known as the Fenty Skin Lux Balm, became an overnight essential for men who previously wouldn't have been caught dead carrying a "lipstick-looking" tube.
People were obsessed. They wanted to know if it actually worked or if it was just high-end hype wrapped in a sleek black casing.
Why Everyone Is Obsessed with the Fenty Skin Lux Balm
Let’s get real for a second. Most lip balms are trash. They either sit on top of your skin like a layer of wax or they dry you out more so you keep buying more. It’s a vicious cycle. Rihanna’s approach with Fenty Skin was always about "the glow," but the Lux Balm shifted the focus toward barrier repair and subtle, non-greasy hydration.
ASAP Rocky didn't just use it once. He’s been the face of the campaign, pushing the idea that "men need skincare too" without making it feel forced or overly "masculine-coded" with charcoal scents and rugged packaging. It’s just a high-quality balm. Period.
The formula is packed with Barbados cherry and vitamin E. If you’ve ever used Fenty Skin before, you know they love that cherry extract. It’s high in Vitamin C. It helps with brightening, which sounds weird for a lip balm, but if you have hyperpigmentation on your lips, it’s a game-changer. The Fenty lip balm ASAP Rocky uses also features avocado and murumuru butters. These aren't just buzzwords. They are fatty acid powerhouses that actually sink into the delicate skin of the lips rather than just coating the surface.
The Super Bowl Effect and the Rise of "Male Beauty"
The 2023 Super Bowl was basically a Fenty commercial that happened to have a football game in the background. When Rocky was seen using the Lux Balm, searches for "Fenty lip balm" spiked by over 800% within 24 hours. That is insane.
Why did it hit so hard?
✨ Don't miss: Williams Sonoma Deer Park IL: What Most People Get Wrong About This Kitchen Icon
Because it looked natural. It didn't look like he was wearing gloss. It just looked like his lips weren't chapped. For a lot of guys, that’s the holy grail. They want the moisture without the shine that makes it look like they just ate a piece of fried chicken. The Lux Balm has a natural finish. It’s matte-adjacent.
Breaking Down the Ingredients: What’s Actually Inside?
If you’re going to drop $16 to $20 on a lip balm, you better know what’s in it. Honestly, some people think it’s overpriced. Is it? Let's look at the heavy hitters in the ingredient list:
- Barbados Cherry (Acerola) Extract: This is Rihanna's signature. It’s loaded with more Vitamin C than an orange. It helps revive the look of the lips.
- Sweet Cherry Seed Oil: This provides the essential fatty acids. It’s what makes the balm feel "cushiony" rather than "waxy."
- Murumuru, Mango, Cocoa, and Shea Butters: Most balms use one of these. Fenty used all of them. This is why the hydration lasts for hours instead of minutes.
- Vitamin E: The classic protector. It fights off environmental stressors (like windburn or pollution).
The scent is also a factor. It’s a light, juicy cherry scent that isn't cloying. It doesn't taste like chemicals. That matters when it’s sitting right under your nose all day.
Comparison: Lux Balm vs. The Original Fenty Glow
A lot of people confuse the Fenty lip balm ASAP Rocky uses with the original Pro Kiss’r Lip-Loving Scrubstick or the Gloss Bomb. They are not the same.
The Gloss Bomb is a high-shine makeup product. The Pro Kiss'r has a bit more of a traditional "balm" feel but is still somewhat shiny. The Lux Balm—the Rocky balm—is specifically designed to be "invisible." It’s the "no-makeup makeup" of the lip world. It focuses on the health of the skin barrier.
Does It Actually Live Up to the Hype?
I’ve seen a lot of reviews. Some people claim it’s the only thing that saved their lips during Accutane treatments or harsh New York winters. Others say it’s just a glorified Chapstick.
The truth? It’s somewhere in the middle, leaning toward great.
🔗 Read more: Finding the most affordable way to live when everything feels too expensive
If you are someone who loses their lip balm every three days, do not buy this. You will be out $18 and you will be sad. But if you are someone who actually finishes a tube of product, the Lux Balm is superior to drugstore options because of the longevity. You don't have to reapply it every twenty minutes. One swipe usually lasts through a couple of cups of coffee.
Also, the packaging is heavy. It feels expensive. In a world of flimsy plastic, there is something satisfying about the click of a Fenty tube.
Addressing the "Men's Skincare" Stigma
ASAP Rocky has always been a fashion icon, but his move into the beauty space with Rihanna was a major cultural moment. He’s proving that grooming isn't gendered. By using the Fenty lip balm, ASAP Rocky gave permission to a whole demographic of men to care about their skin.
It’s not about "pretty." It’s about maintenance.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Fenty Lux Balm
Don't just slap it on over dry, crusty skin. That’s a rookie mistake.
- Exfoliate first. If your lips are peeling, the balm can't reach the actual skin. Use a damp washcloth or a sugar scrub.
- Apply before bed. This is the secret. Use it as a lip mask. You’ll wake up with lips that feel twice as hydrated.
- Layer it. If you do wear lipstick or liner, put a thin layer of Lux Balm underneath. It prevents the pigment from settling into fine lines.
Common Misconceptions
One big mistake people make is thinking this balm will "plump" their lips. It won't. This isn't a lip plumper. It doesn't have peppermint oil or capsicum that causes irritation to swell the lips. It "plumps" through hydration, which is a different, more subtle effect.
Another thing: people think it’s vegan. Yes, Fenty Skin is generally very conscious of this, and the Lux Balm is indeed vegan and cruelty-free. It uses plant-based waxes instead of beeswax, which is a big win for the animal-conscious crowd.
💡 You might also like: Executive desk with drawers: Why your home office setup is probably failing you
The Sustainability Factor
Fenty has been moving toward more refillable packaging, though the Lux Balm specifically is currently a standalone unit. However, the outer packaging is recyclable. Rihanna has been vocal about wanting to reduce waste, and while the beauty industry has a long way to go, Fenty is often ahead of the curve compared to other celebrity brands.
Where to Buy and What to Look For
You can find it at Sephora, Kohl’s at Sephora, and the official Fenty Beauty website. Beware of third-party sellers on sites like Amazon or eBay. There are a lot of fakes out there. Because the Fenty lip balm ASAP Rocky popularized is so trendy, counterfeiters have been making look-alikes that contain low-grade mineral oil or even harmful lead levels.
Stick to the authorized retailers. It’s worth the extra five bucks to know you aren't putting mystery chemicals on your mouth.
Final Practical Steps for Your Routine
If you're ready to upgrade your lip game, don't just buy the balm and call it a day.
- Audit your current products. If your current balm contains camphor, menthol, or phenol, throw it away. Those ingredients provide a cooling sensation but actually dry out your skin over time, making you addicted to the product.
- Drink more water. No balm can fix internal dehydration.
- Check the expiration. Most balms last 12 months. If yours smells like old crayons, it’s time for a Fenty upgrade.
The Fenty lip balm ASAP Rocky uses is more than just a celebrity endorsement. It’s a solid, high-performing product that bridged the gap between "beauty" and "grooming." Whether you’re a fan of the music or just tired of chapped lips, it’s a piece of the Fenty empire that actually earns its spot in your pocket.
Start by applying a generous layer at night. By morning, you’ll see exactly why Rocky made sure he had his tube ready before the biggest performance of the decade. No flakes, no shine, just healthy skin. That’s the real goal.